Thailand

history

Thailand formerly called Siam, is a country located in Southeast Asia in the Indochina peninsula. Thailand was created in the year 1238 by two governors; Khun Pha Muang and Khun Bang Klang Thao. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia to have never been colonized. This country was threatened by the British and the French many times concerning their independence, they also had to fight all the Cambodians. Ultimately, they maintained their independence and in 1939 a government was established.

environment & landscape

Thailand has a tropical climate meaning its very warm and humid for the most part. Temperatures averaging at bout 82 degrees with high humidity. Thailand experiences three seasons throughout the year: hot, cool, and rainy season. The hot season lasts from March to May, cool season lasts from November to February, and the rainy season lasts from June to October. The hot season consists of above average temperatures, little rain, and high humidity. The cool season is mainly dry with comfortable temperatures, with not as much humidity. The rainy season obviously consists of lots of rainfall, sometimes for days at a time (this is also a weather pattern). Another common weather pattern is the dryness throughout the hot season.

Due to the climate, Thailand has a wide variety of forests and plant life. the most common forests in Thailand are tropical semi evergreen, monsoon, and savanna forests. Some of the many plants that grow here are: deciduous trees, bamboo, and a variety of grasses.

Thailand's Politics

In Thailand, the government is a constitutional monarchy meaning the monarch has limited power due to a constitution. The monarch acts as a head of state rather than a parliamentarian in this form of government. In this country there is a king and a prime minister. The king is Bhumibol Adulyadej & prime minister is Prayut chan-o-cha. Thailand does not have a president.

Economy

As of 2013, the GDP of this country is 387.3 billion USD, the GDP per capita is 5,778.98 USD. Since the year 2000, both GDP & GDP per capita have nearly tripled in amount. Thailand is also the country with the lowest unemployment rate of only .62%, mostly due to agriculture being such a big business. Another big business is trade with other countries, with the main export partner being the US. Common exports here are: footwear, jewelry, rice, rubber, electronic goods, and fishery products. Thailand has 3 major export partners being the US, China, and Japan. Major imports are: gold, petroleum, automotive parts, computer parts, and petroleum gas. Thailand gets most of their imports from the following countries: Japan, China, Malaysia, US, and South Korea.

- Currency used is the Thail Baht

Education

Education is separated into three levels. Level one being the first three years of school from ages 3 to 5. The second level is basically elementary levels from ages 6 to 11. The third level ranges from ages 12 to 18, in the US being a combination of middle & high school. In order to advance to the next level of schooling students must take a test after every year. If they fail this test the student must repeat the year tor attend summer school and retake the test. The first level of education is optional, but level P1 through M3 are required. If students wish to continue after year M3 you must take another exam called the Ordinary National Education Test. The last level of education in M6 and the exam to graduate is called the Advanced national Education Test which is similar to the SAT in the United States. Beyond M6 is the university level. In order to attend university, students must take the Central University Admission System exam. The cost for education depends on the education you want. The best schools can cost up to 680,000 baht, but others are free until the age of 13. There are many schools available in Thailand such as public, private, international, universities, etc.

Families

The fertility rate is 1.5 children per women with an average family size of about 3.2. Men used to be viewed as a hierarchy in the household were as women were housewives that obeyed their husbands. The role the man of the house is to provide for his family and become knowledgeable and hardworking. While the woman of the house is supposed to stay at home, cook, clean, and teach her daughters how to become good housewives. Children are expected to go to school and depending on the gender of the child different things are expected. Girls are taught to take care of family finances and supporting their parents. Boys are expected to bring honor to the family name, go to school, and provide for his wife and children.

Recreation

Recreation in Thailand has many similarities to recreation of the US. For example, most families that have electricity own a television and other electronic goods. Other forms of recreation also include spas, nightclubs, gyms, golfing, etc. going into sports, the game called takraw is also very common in Thailand. Where the object is to keep the ball off the ground without using your hands. Many western sports have been adopted by this country such as soccer, tennis, swimming, etc. The most famous western sport being soccer.

work cited

"Role of Men and Women in Thailand."Aboucheethailand. Web. 28 May 2015.